I’ve had the chance to put two popular red dot sights through their paces: the Holosun 510C Vs Holosun AEMS.
In the world of firearms, where precision and reliability are paramount, choosing the right sight can make a world of difference.
Both of these sights have garnered attention for their unique features and robust performance, but how do they really stack up against each other? To determine the winner, I took both sights out into the field, testing them in various conditions and scenarios.
| Feature | Holosun 510C | Holosun AEMS |
| Reticle | Red 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle | Red 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle |
| Weight | 8.3 Ounces | 0.24 Pounds |
| Window Size | 0.91×1.26 inches | 0.87×1.1 inches |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 Hours | Up to 50,000 Hours |
| Brightness Settings | 10 DL & 2 NV | 12 intensity settings, 4 are night vision compatible |
| Power Source | Battery (CR2032) | Battery (CR2032) |
| Housing Material | Aluminum & Titanium Hood | Aluminum |
| Center Height | 1.41 inches | 1.63 inches (Lower 1/3 co-witness) |
Overview of Holosun 510C
The Holosun 510C is a versatile open-reflex optic designed for long gun applications, boasting a robust build and an array of advanced features.
Features
- Red 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle Reticle
- Light Wavelength: 650nm
- Magnification: 1x
- Parallax Free & Unlimited Eye Relief
- Power Source: Battery (CR2032)
- Battery Life: 50,000 Hours
- Brightness Settings: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 0.91×1.26 inches
- Housing: Aluminum & Titanium Hood
- Adjustment per Click: 0.5 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±50 MOA
- Weight: 8.3 Ounces
Overview of Holosun AEMS
The Holosun AEMS is a compact, lightweight red dot sight featuring advanced technology for optimal performance in various lighting conditions.
Features
- Red 2 MOA & 65 MOA Multi-Reticle System
- Solar Failsafe with Automatic Brightness Adjustment
- Shake Awake Technology
- Waterproof IPX8
- Window Size: 0.87×1.1 inches
- Center Height: 1.63 inches (Lower 1/3 Co-witness)
- Power Source: Battery (CR2032)
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 Hours
- Transparent Front and Rear Dust Covers
- Weight: 3.84 Ounces
Features Comparison Holosun 510C VS Holosun AEMS
1. Reticle Design and Visibility
Holosun 510C
The 510C’s reticle design is a game-changer, especially for rapid target acquisition. The 65 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot is a standout feature. When I was out on the range, this large circle was a big help in quickly zeroing in on targets, especially in close-quarters situations.
Its brightness in various lighting conditions was consistent and reliable. However, I did find the auto-brightness setting a tad finicky at times, either being too bright or too dim compared to the ambient light.
Holosun AEMS
The AEMS, on the other hand, comes with its own strengths in reticle design. Its 2 MOA 7 65 MOA Reticle and M.R.S. (Multi-Reticle System) provide flexibility, but I noticed the reticle tends to dim slightly in certain lighting conditions.
This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it did require a bit of adjustment when moving from bright outdoor environments to dimmer indoor settings.
Winner
For reticle design and visibility, the Holosun 510C takes the lead, thanks to its more consistent brightness and clearer sight picture.
2. Weight and Build Quality
Holosun 510C
The 510C is slightly on the heavier side, but this comes with a perk: its robust build. The aluminum housing with a titanium hood gives it a solid, durable feel. When handling it, I could tell this sight was built to withstand rough use.
This durability is crucial for outdoor and tactical use, where your gear is expected to endure various conditions.
Holosun AEMS
The AEMS impressed me with its lighter weight, making it a more comfortable choice for extended use. This reduced weight does not compromise its build quality, though. It still feels sturdy and well-constructed, suitable for various shooting activities.
Winner
The Holosun AEMS edges out in this category, offering a lighter yet still durable option compared to the red dot.
3. Battery Life and Power Management
Holosun 510C
The 510C’s battery life is impressive, boasting up to 50,000 hours. Its Solar Failsafe feature is a big plus, ensuring the sight remains operational even if the battery runs out, as long as there’s sufficient light.
This feature came in handy during a long day of shooting, giving me peace of mind.
Holosun AEMS
Similarly, the AEMS also offers an extended battery life, matched with its Shake Awake technology. This feature conserves the battery by turning off the LED when the sight is not in use, and it instantly wakes up with the slightest movement.
I found this particularly useful during tactical drills where the sight might not be in constant use.
Winner
It’s a tie. Both the Holosun 510C and AEMS excel in battery life and power management, each with its unique strengths.
4. Ease of Use and Adjustability
Holosun 510C
The 510C is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and an easy-to-navigate interface. Adjusting the reticle brightness and switching between modes was straightforward.
The sight’s larger window size also provided a wider field of view, which I found useful for maintaining situational awareness.
Holosun AEMS
The AEMS matches the 510C in terms of user-friendliness. Its smaller size did not hinder the ease of adjusting settings.
The transparent front and rear dust covers are a thoughtful addition, providing extra protection without needing to remove them for quick use.
Winner
The Holosun 510C slightly outperforms the red dot in ease of use and adjustability, primarily due to its larger window size and more intuitive controls.
5. Durability and Resilience
Holosun 510C
One thing that stood out during my field tests with the 510C was its remarkable durability. The combination of aluminum housing and titanium hood gives it a ruggedness that’s hard to beat.
I’ve taken it through various environments, and it’s held up exceptionally well against the elements. It’s clear that this sight is built for serious use, able to withstand the kind of knocks and bumps that come with active shooting scenarios.
Holosun AEMS
The AEMS also impresses with its resilience. While it might not have the titanium hood of the 510C, its aluminum construction still offers a good level of durability. It handled the rigors of field use well, showing no signs of faltering in different weather conditions.
The compact size might make you think it’s delicate, but it’s tougher than it looks.
Winner
The Holosun 510C edges out as the winner in durability, mainly due to its titanium hood that provides that extra layer of resilience compared to the red dot.
6. Field of View
Holosun 510C
The window size of the 510C, measuring 0.91×1.26 inches, offers an expansive field of view.
This feature was a significant advantage during my field tests, especially in scenarios requiring quick target acquisition and situational awareness. The wider view helps in tracking moving targets and staying aware of the surroundings.
Holosun AEMS
The AEMS, with its slightly smaller window size of 0.87×1.1 inches, still provides a decent field of view.
In my experience, this size was adequate for most shooting scenarios, though the slightly smaller window did mean a bit more focus was required for rapid target transitions.
Winner
In terms of field of view, the Holosun 510C stands out as the winner, offering a slightly larger window that enhances overall situational awareness compared to the red dot.
Pros & Cons of Holosun 510C
Pros
- Versatile for long guns: carbines, PCCs, shotguns.
- Durable aluminum housing with titanium hood.
- Multi-Reticle System (MRS) for varied sighting needs.
- Solar Failsafe for backup power.
- Shake Awake Technology conserves battery.
- Large battery life of up to 50k hours.
- Parallax Free & Unlimited Eye Relief.
Cons
- Auto mode brightness can be inconsistent.
- Heavier compared to some competitors.
- Blinking Reticle
Pros & Cons of Holosun AEMS
Pros
- Lightweight design, only 0.24 Pounds.
- Solar Failsafe for automatic brightness adjustment.
- Shake Awake Technology for battery conservation.
- Multi-Reticle System (M.R.S.) for flexibility.
- Waterproof IPX8 rating.
- Long battery life up to 50K hours.
Cons
- Reticle diming Issue
- Higher center height may require adjustment.
Similarities Between Holosun 510C & Holosun AEMS
- Both have Solar Failsafe technology.
- Equipped with Shake Awake Technology.
- Feature Multi-Reticle Systems.
- Offer long battery life (up to 50K hours).
- Parallax Free & Unlimited Eye Relief.
- Designed with durable aluminum construction.
- Waterproof capabilities.
Differences Between Holosun 510C & Holosun AEMS
- 510C has a titanium hood; AEMS does not.
- 510C is slightly heavier (8.3 Ounces) than AEMS (0.24 Pounds).
- 510C has a larger window size (0.91×1.26) compared to AEMS (0.87×1.1).
- The 510C has a lower center height (1.41″) compared to AEMS (1.63″).
Final Verdict & My Choice
After extensive testing and comparison of the Holosun 510C and Holosun AEMS, it’s time to declare a winner. Both sights showed exceptional qualities, but one edged out slightly in terms of overall performance.
For me, the deciding factors were a combination of reticle design, durability, ease of use, and field of view. These elements play a crucial role in any shooting scenario, whether it’s for sport, tactical use, or hunting.
The winner in this comparison, considering these factors, is the Holosun 510C which consistently met the demands of various shooting environments and provided a reliable, user-friendly experience.
FAQ’s
Is the Holosun 510c waterproof?
Yes, the Holosun 510c is waterproof, featuring advanced technology like Solar FailSafe and Shake-Awake.
What is the battery life of the Holosun 510c?
The Holosun 510c offers up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
What mount does the Holosun 510c use?
The Holosun 510c uses an AD-510C Mount with Titanium Lever for an absolute co-witness.
Is the Holosun AEMS night vision compatible?
Yes, the Holosun AEMS is night vision compatible with 4 out of 12 intensity settings suitable for night vision.